Categorical Imperative
PHI2600.001
The difference between Kant’s Hypothetical imperative and categorical imperative is this; Hypothetical imperative is driven by desire. They tell you what you should do only if you have the desire. For example if someone wanted to become a boxer (he had the desire to become a boxer) he would have to work out and train to become one. That would be one hypothetical imperative, another example is perhaps someone has the desire to become a doctor, well then he would need to go to college and then medical school. But only because he has the desire to become a doctor if he did not then he would not need to go to medical school.
Now Categorical Imperative on the other hand is driven by reason. Kant says “that categorical “oughts” are derived from an idea that everybody must accept” (pg 128) his idea behind categorical imperative is that you decide wither or not something is moral by first finding out what exactly the moral rule is or what is your maxim that you are contemplating, and then you have to ask yourself if you are ok with the idea that your maxim would become a universal law, to be followed by all people, all the time. If yes then it is an acceptable act if your answer is no then that act should not be committed.
A couple examples of categorical imperative.
Suppose you are asked by a loved one or a friend if they are fat? And you know she does. Should you lie and say otherwise as to not hurt her feelings therefore your maxim would be: if you ever are asked a question and you know the answer will hurt feelings you should just lie. But we know that can’t always happen because if that becomes a universal rule then no one would believe anyone anyway.
One more example and this one is trickier. Perhaps you just witnessed a hungry, homeless pregnant woman steel some food and eat it, later the shop owner comes with a police officer and asks if you saw anything. Should you lie or tell the truth your maxim is: you should tell the truth and get
The difference between Kant’s Hypothetical imperative and categorical imperative is this; Hypothetical imperative is driven by desire. They tell you what you should do only if you have the desire. For example if someone wanted to become a boxer (he had the desire to become a boxer) he would have to work out and train to become one. That would be one hypothetical imperative, another example is perhaps someone has the desire to become a doctor, well then he would need to go to college and then medical school. But only because he has the desire to become a doctor if he did not then he would not need to go to medical school.
Now Categorical Imperative on the other hand is driven by reason. Kant says “that categorical “oughts” are derived from an idea that everybody must accept” (pg 128) his idea behind categorical imperative is that you decide wither or not something is moral by first finding out what exactly the moral rule is or what is your maxim that you are contemplating, and then you have to ask yourself if you are ok with the idea that your maxim would become a universal law, to be followed by all people, all the time. If yes then it is an acceptable act if your answer is no then that act should not be committed.
A couple examples of categorical imperative.
Suppose you are asked by a loved one or a friend if they are fat? And you know she does. Should you lie and say otherwise as to not hurt her feelings therefore your maxim would be: if you ever are asked a question and you know the answer will hurt feelings you should just lie. But we know that can’t always happen because if that becomes a universal rule then no one would believe anyone anyway.
One more example and this one is trickier. Perhaps you just witnessed a hungry, homeless pregnant woman steel some food and eat it, later the shop owner comes with a police officer and asks if you saw anything. Should you lie or tell the truth your maxim is: you should tell the truth and get